Pharmaceuticals

What are PPCPs?

PPCPs stand for Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products. They include:

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs

Veterinary drugs

Fragrances

Cosmetics

Sun-screen products

Diagnostic agents

Nutraceuticals (e.g., vitamins)

Last year in Utah more people died of accidental overdoses of prescription drugs than of automobile accidents.

Why care?

Human Health

Pharmaceuticals (including antibiotics, antidepressants and sex hormones) have been found in at least 41 million American's drinking water supplies. Since the concentration levels of these substances are so low (generally parts per trillion), they are far below prescription dosages. However, there is growing concern that these chemicals could contribute to health problems. Also, many pharmaceuticals sold on the streets or consumed by young people come from home medicine cabinets. Proper disposal of PPCPs can prevent misuse of pharmaceuticals.

Environmental Health

While PPCPs may have an impact on human health, they have a much greater impact on fish and other aquatic wildlife. These organisms are more susceptible to problems from PPCPs because they have continual exposures, multi-generational exposures, and exposure to higher concentrations of PPCPs in untreated water.